The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the management of Sochi Foods Limited, have brainstormed on practical ways to cassava production along the value chain for export.
The brainstorming session took place at a one-day stakeholders engagement forum in Owerri, on Thursday.
Our correspondent reports that Sochi Foods is an Imo based cassava production and processing company.
Imo Coordinator of the NEPC, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, described the forum as “very timely “, and in line with the council’s plans for export growth in the state.
Ajuruchi added that a healthy synergy between cassava farmers and the processing company would help provide market availability for farmers while increasing the availability of raw materials for processing and subsequent export.
“ Sochi Foods boast of high quality products that we can be proud of, so this collaboration with cassava farmers will eventually grow exports and help sustain the state’s export economy “, he said.
Speaking, the Chief Operating Officer for Sochi Foods, Chief Martin Nwoga, said that the company was prepared to work with cassava farmers to increase its raw materials supply.
He urged Cassava farmers in Imo and Nigeria to partner with Sochi Foods for value creation and increased market access.
“ We have almost 200 hectares of farmland and we’re open to buying from farmers through outright purchase and outgrower farmer agreements.
He thanked the NEPC and other regulatory agencies of government such as the National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, for issuing relevant regulatory approvals and certifications to aid the company’s ease of operations.
He, however called on government to provide improved access to business facilitation and grants to enhance the company’s community development and social intervention efforts.
Also, the Branch Manager, Nova Bank, Owerri, Mr Ikechukwu Onwubiko, urged the farmers to take advantage of the bank’s loans and other facilities that would aid agriculture for optimal economic growth.